Reports of ICE presence in southwest Kansas concerns agriculture, meatpacking industries
On Sept. 22, reports of the presence of federal agents and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in southwest Kansas communities of Dodge City, Garden City and Liberal, were circulating social media and local news outlets.
There are large meat packing facilities in each of these communities, as well as other large agricultural operations whose workforces could be impacted. According to social media posts, at least one packing plant did not run Sept. 24 to 26, while others are operating on limited schedules as employees are staying home.
On Sept. 24, the Kansas Livestock Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and Texas Cattle Feeders Association issued a joint statement saying the groups are closely monitoring reported ICE activity affecting agricultural communities in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.
“Our organizations respect the responsibility of federal agencies to enforce the law. At the same time, cattle producers, feedyards, dairies, livestock markets, processors, and other rural businesses depend on a stable workforce to care for animals, protect food safety, and keep the supply chains operating. Sudden workforce disruptions can create immediate animal-welfare, operational, and economic consequences that extend well beyond an individual business. These ICE operations are having a massive chilling effect on the legal, documented, skilled workers that put beef on the table and keep the cattle supply chain moving. Additionally, these types of disruptions will lead to higher beef prices for consumers.”
According to the release, KLA, OCA and TCFA have had reports of impacts made to their organizations through the past week, and those include the following:
—Thousands of fed cattle slated for shipping to processors now delayed, resulting in millions of dollars in lost revenue and additional costs.
—Workforce disruptions at numerous supply chain chokepoints such as feedyards, dairies, processors, feed and grain companies, transportation hubs, and community services.
There is immense pressure on cattle and beef supply chains currently in the United States, the organizations said.
“They are a costly and unnecessary impact to cattle producers already suffering from unwelcome political interference to both the markets as well as the physical supply chain. Frustratingly, the harm these actions cause to cattle producers last for days and weeks after such operations conclude.”
The groups urged federal officials to conduct enforcement actions in a “lawful, orderly, and transparent manner; respect due process; and communicate clearly with affected employers and communities.”
Workers upset too
The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 2 and the UFCW International Union released their own statement Sept. 24.
UFCW Local 2 President Martin Rosas said this is an unimaginably difficult time for communities in Liberal and Dodge City.
“No one should have to live in fear of going to work, sending their kids to school, or shopping at the grocery store,” Martin said, in the news release.
The UFCW Local 2 is gathering information about ICE’s presence and continues to offer support to UFCW Local 2 members and their families.
UFCW International President Milton Jones said the organization stands “arm-in-arm” with all UFCW members in Dodge City and Liberal and condemns the presence of ICE in southwest Kansas.
“ICE’s targeting of these communities sows fear, instability, and chaos into the lives of those trying to make a living and feed our nation. Local economies cannot thrive unless people feel safe,” Jones said. “These disruptions directly impact the safety of all workers and the supply of beef. If supply drops, prices will go up. At a time when working people are already struggling with record-high food costs, our country cannot afford the havoc that these inhumane policies wreak in our communities.”
Elected officials
On Sept. 24, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-KS, issued a statement on ICE activity in southwest Kansas. He claimed no one has been a stronger proponent of securing the borders and keeping communities safe, than him.
“Open borders in the last administration vastly increased the number of dangerous illegal immigrants in our country. Our borders are thankfully now secure,” Sen. Marshall said in a news release. “During the last two years, ICE and Kansas law enforcement have successfully worked together to remove violent criminals, human traffickers, and drug dealers. However, in recent days in Southwest Kansas, law enforcement officers were not given advance notice or the level of cooperation we would expect from ICE’s enforcement and removal operations. As a result, there have been mass disruptions to local communities and businesses. I have personally spoken with several sheriffs and chiefs of police who have shared their experiences this week. I relayed these concerns directly to DHS. We must keep our communities safe, but it has to be done in a responsible and secure manner.”
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, also shared his concern that law enforcement in local communities and counties not receiving notification from the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE.
Local governments
Statements were issued by the cities and acknowledged the presence of the agents in the area. In a joint statement released by local governing bodies and law enforcement agencies in Dodge City, Garden City, and Liberal stated they were not notified in advance of the increased federal immigration enforcement activity taking place in the communities. They “became aware of the activity as the presence of federal agents became apparent to the public.”
“Local officials do not have operational information regarding these federal enforcement activities and do not have authority or control over their operations. Officials from all three communities have been in contact with members of our legislative delegation to share concerns, seek additional information regarding the current situation, and request assistance in keeping our communities informed.
“As local governing bodies, our priority is to ensure residents have access to accurate information while maintaining the safety and well-being of our communities. We recognize that the presence of federal immigration enforcement agents has created questions and concerns among residents throughout southwest Kansas.
“Local law enforcement agencies will continue to focus on their responsibility to protect public safety, maintain the peace, and respond to criminal activity. Local agencies recognize and respect the right of individuals to peacefully and lawfully express their concerns. Actions that threaten the safety of others, damage property, interfere with public safety, or otherwise violate the law will be addressed appropriately and consistently, regardless of who is involved.
“The local governing bodies understand the concern and uncertainty this situation has created within our communities. Our communities are built on trust, communication, and transparency, and we believe those principles are especially important when the people we serve are affected.”
Facilities
Local fairgrounds and event centers also issued statements after the public noticed ICE activity at these locations. The Finney County Fairgrounds in Garden City issued a statement on social media Sept. 22.
“We understand that the presence of federal agents in a facility that serves as a gathering place for our community may understandably raise concerns among residents.
“When the space was requested, we were not informed of the specific purpose for which it would be used. Upon learning of the activities taking place, we requested that they vacate the facility Tuesday morning for the safety of the community. They complied and left the facility late Tuesday evening.”
Nataleigh Valles, director of the Western State Bank Expo Center, which Ford County operates, posted a statement on their Facebook Page, Sept. 22. It too had no prior knowledge of the usage of the rental, and that federal agents were conducting their business at the facility.
“We would like to address the public that the Western State Bank Expo Center was not made aware in advance of the activities that were going to take place on our property during the department’s presence. Once we became aware of the situation and gathered necessary facts and information, the individuals and department were asked to leave the facility.
The Western State Bank Expo Center strives to promote a safe, welcoming, and inclusive event space for all community members, guests, staff and event attendees in Dodge City and the surrounding communities in southwest Kansas, she said.
“Our facility serves as a gathering place for people from all walks of life, and we take our responsibility to provide a safe and comfortable environment at all times seriously. The safety and well-being of everyone who utilizes our facility remains among our highest priorities.
“We appreciate the understanding and continued support of our community as we work to ensure Western State Bank Expo Center remains a place of celebrations where everyone feels welcome.”
County
Finney County and the City of Garden City, Kansas issued their own statement on social media about the federal immigration law enforcement personnel being in Finney County.
“Attempts by local law enforcement were made to establish contact for the purpose of deconfliction, which is the traditional first stage of interagency contact made when a state or federal agency conducts an operation in our area. Deconfliction is a critical step in overall public safety and allows local law enforcement and local officials to share appropriate information.
“Attempts to achieve that traditional level of communication were made late into the evening last night (Sept. 22) with hopes of providing useful information with minimal to no success. As a result, we enter today (Sept. 23) with minimal information regarding the federal law enforcement operation. Finney County and the City have reached out to our federal congressional delegation to express concerns regarding the absence of deconfliction.”
The Finney County Sheriff’s Office and Garden City Police Department will continue to provide public safety presence and measures for those expressing their feelings and opinions in lawful and peaceful assembly. Both agencies will also take enforcement action related to threats, violence, property damage and obstruction.”
Ford County and the City of Dodge City issued a release Sept. 24, stating their concern about the events of the past two days and how they have created fear, concern, uncertainty, and questions throughout our community.
“We apologize for such a late response, but this situation developed quickly and continues to evolve without any notice to local law enforcement. The current immigration enforcement activity is being conducted by federal authorities without local law enforcement involvement. Please know that we see you, we hear your concerns, and we want to clarify that these operations are not initiated by us. If you see local law enforcement on scene, they have been dispatched by an emergency call.
“We recognize that residents may have questions about what is occurring. While local law enforcement does not have operational control over federal enforcement activity, the Ford County Sheriff’s Office and Dodge City Police Department will continue working with each other to provide accurate information when it is available and to keep our community safe.
“Our local officials have been in contact with our Federal and State legislators to share concerns, seek additional information regarding the current situation, and request assistance in keeping our communities informed.
“Together we are dedicated to serving our communities with compassion and respect for all.”
Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].
